Whats New: 6 New or Improved Processes

New Law: Can you prove you paid workers correctly?

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has commenced the first legal
action utilising new reverse onus of proof laws that require
employers to disprove underpayment allegations in Court when they
have failed to keep adequate time and wages records or issue pay
slips.

PCBU Cannot Delegate Safety Responsibilities To Another PCBU

Redundancy: have your ducks in a row

There are instances where an employer would need to
unfortunately cut labour costs, and make redundancies within the
business. This checklist is designed to help you ensure legislative
requirements are complied with, and potential risks are
minimised.

New flexible working arrangements rules

Labour-hire companies hit with $260,000 in penalties for sham contracting

Two labour-hire companies that provided workers
exclusively to a major home care company in Adelaide have been
penalised a total of more than $200,000 over a sham contracting
scheme that resulted in underpayments and significant hardship for
workers.

Degani Café hit with $140,000 in penalties for underpaying staff

The operators of a Degani café in Melbourne's north-east
have been penalised over $140,000 for underpaying staff and
providing inspectors with false records, following legal action by
the Fair Work Ombudsman.

FWO recovers nearly $800,000 for sushi workers in NSW, QLD and the ACT

Variations to the General Retail Award

As a result of the ongoing 4 year Award Review process,
particularly a review of penalty rates, the Fair Work Commission
has handed down a decision resulting in changes to the General
Retail Award 2010.

Supporting Central Coast Academy of Sport

Workplace Relations News Bulletin - September 2018

Listen to our Workplace Relations News Bulletin. This month, we
talk about important HR and employment law issues affecting
Australian employers and key advisors. Presented by Charles Watson,
General Manager HR, Workforce Guardian.

Media company and director prosecuted for underpaying staff

Update on Accounting firms accessorial liability

A recent ruling by the full bench of the Federal Court on an
appeal by Ezy Accounting 123 has reinforced the risk of big fines
and penalties for accessories (such as HR and payroll
professionals) if their clients breach Australian employment
laws.

Sandra Parker appointed Fair Work Ombudsman

Man suspected of poisoning 21 of his co-workers

A worker has allegedly been caught on camera attempting to
poison a co-worker's lunch. This discovery has resulted in police
investigating the deaths of 21 other workers at a metal fittings
company in the northern town of Schloss Holte-Stukenbrock.

Family and Domestic Violence Leave

Handling Employee Underpayments

When faced with scandals, particularly those relating to
employee underpayment, some companies do the right thing
immediately and some wait until the appropriate juncture and
resolve matters in the fullness of time.

Success Story: Helping a telecommunications company defend a bullying claim

HR Advice Online Upgrade

Workforce Guardian has launched an upgrade to our HR
Advice Online Service. With new features to help protect key
advisors, and to help key advisors help clients manage HR and
compliance with confidence.

Masterchef Judge George Calombaris faces new allegations of underpaying workers

Oh what a feeling! Fair Work Commission Upholds Termination Ruling At Toyota for Team Leader’s Improper Behaviour

Over two years after a supervisor at Toyota was terminated for
breaching his employers code of conduct by his inappropriate and
improper behaviour, the Fair Work Commission has found the
termination was fair, just and reasonable.

72% of Food Businesses Found Non-Compliant In Fair Work Audits

The Fair Work Ombudsman's audit of three popular food
destinations has recovered more than $470,000 for over 600 workers,
after the FWO found that 72% of the 243 businesses audited had
breached workplace laws.

2018 Annual Wage Review Decision

Personal relationships in the workplace

Numerous workplace relationships have recently made headline
news due to the prominence of the parties and the conduct involved.
We strongly recommend employers implement an appropriately drafted
workplace policy that deals with personal relationships.

Cartoon Employment Contracts

Read our article in Convenience & Impulse Retailing
Magazine. About the benefits of simpler, more direct drafting of
employment contracts and a new trend in using contracts that
combine pictures and words in place of the traditional text only
format.

Senior Sounding Position Title No Protection From Unfair Dismissal

A recent decision of the Fair Work Commission serves as a
reminder to employers that a senior sounding position title does
not exclude an employee from being covered by a modern award or
from making an unfair dismissal claim.

Workplace flexibility is an increasingly popular practice. Due
to the benefits for both the business and employee. But some
employers are exposing themselves to risks by not ensuring their
flexible workplace practices are compliant.

Over $390,000 in employee underpayments recovered in WA Audits

New Fair Work Campaign Targets 1000 Businesses In Hotspots

The Fair Work Ombudsman has started auditing 1000
businesses across Australia, as part of a new campaign targeting
known hotspots. Including fast food, restaurant and café sectors in
addition to others such as retail, security and manufacturing.
Businesses within service networks and part of labour supply chains
will also be examined.

Important Payroll Reporting Changes

Pitfalls Of Casual Employment

An interesting case relating to the treatment of long term
regular casuals reinforces the need for employers to regularly
review casual employees' engagements and ensure that contracts and
pay records reflect the casual type of employment.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is taking legal action against services
company Spotless Services Australia Limited for allegedly contravening workplace
lawswhen it terminated the employment of three workers at Perth
International Airport.

New Website Now Live

$43,200 Penalties For Not Keeping Records

The operator of a number of massage parlours in Adelaide who
said he was "too busy and lazy" to keep proper records has been
penalised for contraventions of record-keeping and pay slip laws,
following legal action by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

$121,000 penalty for underpaying worker

Webinar: Get Ready For Changes to Casual and Part-Time Entitlements

Workforce Guardian will be hosting a webinar to explain the
changes to overtime rates and shift entitlements for casual and
part-time employees covered by some Modern Awards which came into
operation on 1 January 2018.

40 per cent of ACT businesses fail 2nd audit

Canberra business operators are continuing to breach their
workplace obligations despite intervention from the Fair Work
Ombudsman. Recent audits found that 40% of the businesses
re-audited remained non-compliant.

Key Advisors Warned - Resign Or Be Fined

Federal Court sends new warning to HR managers and payroll
professionals: "resign if that is the only alternative to
continuing to participate knowingly in illegal activity" and report
the matter to the Fair Work Ombudsman. Otherwise you risk being
personally fined.

Get Ready For Changes to Casual and Part-Time Entitlements

Changes to overtime rates and shift entitlements for casual and
part-time employees covered by some Modern Awards will come into
operation on 1 January 2018 and take effect from the first full pay
period of the new year.

Workplace Cancers - Solar radiation

$100m class action for underpaid workers

A national union has partnered with a major law firm to launch a
national class action on behalf of thousands of workers who have
been allegedly underpaid for door-to-door sales and charity
fundraising.

Franchise Risks - How We Can Help

New laws are now in effect which expose franchisors to higher
penalties if their franchises breach employment laws and
record-keeping obligations. Workforce Guardian can help protect you
and your franchises.

Christmas Operating Hours 2017

Annual close down periods

Many businesses have a period of close down between the
Christmas and New Year periods. For those businesses intending to
close down over the Christmas period we recommend you ensure the
following issues are covered.

26 percent non-compliance rate in healthcare sector

New industrial manslaughter laws in Queensland

New industrial manslaughter laws have been passed by
Queensland's Parliament despite strong opposition from business
groups and concerns about how these could affect the national
harmonisation of Workplace Health and Safety laws.

Reference Checking Matters

$284k Penalty For False Records And UnderPayment

The operators of a Gold Coast restaurant have been penalised
more than $284,000 and criticised by a Judge for their "heinous"
conduct after paying overseas workers as little as $8 an hour and
using false records to try to cover it up.

Your guide to hiring Christmas casuals

In the lead up to the Christmas season retailers are going to be
hiring seasonal or short-term casual employees to help cope with
that present buying surge. In this blog, Workforce
Guardian provides some useful tips to make it a little less
stressful when hiring seasonal help.

Fair Work Inspectors Target Goulburn Valley

HR is Important: Channel 7 Cadet Journalist Case Lessons

The case of Amy Taeuber, the former cadet journalist at Channel
7, highlights the importance of having solid, legally
compliant HR processes and HR
policies in place when handling human resources
complaints.

Workforce Guardian Product Tour Video

Watch our new product tour video for Workforce Guardian -
Australia's #1 HR Compliance System. Showcasing all of the new
features and benefits available to HR Lite, HR Essential, HR
Professional and HR Platinum subscribers.

New Law. Higher Penalties. Now In Effect.

The Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Act
2017 has now come into effect. This means new, higher
penalties for serious contraventions of workplace laws and record
keeping breaches start today.

Vulnerable Workers amendments to the Fair Work Act

Further to last week's blog item on the incoming amendments to
the Fair Work Act 2009("Act") as a result of the
Protecting Vulnerable Workers Bill that finally passed parliament,
let's consider what it might mean for your business once the
amendments commence.

The ongoing woes of George Calombaris

Aside from defending himself in Court last week for an
altercation at a football game, celebrity chef and restaurateur,
George Calombaris, continues to deal with the issue of widespread
underpayments to staff at various eateries.

Protecting Vulnerable Workers Bill Passes Senate

Having had more work done to it than a B-grade movie actor, the
Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill finally
passes Senate scrutiny and heads towards amending the Fair Work
Act 2009 in the weeks to come.

Latest Upgrade - Compliance Register & People Search

Our latest upgrade includes several new features including a new
'Compliance Register' with a visual display of 'Risk Level' on your
dashboard and a new 'People Search' on the dashboard to help users
find and access personnel files faster and more easily.

Top 5 questions to ask every payroll client

Are you budgeting in the cost of the flu to your business?

With the end of winter approaching we are in the worst period
for influenza. Employee illness and absence as a result costs
productivity and can affect the long-term health of employees.
However, some simple but medically proven steps can be implemented
in workplaces and will minimise the spread of the flu this
season.

Probation and qualifying periods

There are differences between the two concepts and they should
be treated separately by employers. One relates to suitability of
an employee, the other relates to whether a terminated employee can
make an unfair dismissal claim.

Managing post-employment restraints

Intellectual property and confidential information are amongst a
company's most valuable assets. This is why when it comes to
employees, and it is important to be on guard against potential
breaches of post-employment restraints which can be incredibly
damaging to your business.

Workforce Guardian appoints new CEO

FWC Casual Conversion Decision

The Fair Work Commission has determined that casual workers
covered by 85 of the approximately 120 federal Modern Awards will
be given the right to request permanent employment if they work
regular hours over a year.

Fair Work Inspectors target Sydney South West

Penalty Rate Changes 2017

On 5 June 2017, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) handed down a
decision about how the changes to Sunday penalty rates will be
introduced. The FWC decided they will be phased in over 3 or 4
years, depending on the award and employment type, starting from 1
July 2017.

More Fair Work Inspectors Are Coming

$540,000 in penalties for CFMEU

The Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) has been
hit with over $540,000 in penalties for Fair Work breaches in
Adelaide after losing an ­appeal against two adverse Federal Court
judgments.

Fair Work Inspectors target clothing manufacturers

Zumbo the latest chef caught underpaying staff

Adriano Zumbo is the latest celebrity chef to be caught out
underpaying staff. Staff claim they were given fake superannuation
numbers, were paid at incorrect rates, and that overtime pay was
missing. They claimed they were owed thousands of dollars.

Caltex terminates 19 franchise agreements for non-compliance

Employer found guilty of underpaying worker for over 20 years

A court has found an employer underpaid a worker by more than
$230,000 because it "recklessly disguised the true legal nature" of
a 20-year-plus employment relationship by classifying him as an
independent contractor.

Fair Work Inspectors target Wide Bay region

The Fair Work Ombudsman has issued a media release advising that
it will target over 200 business in the Wide Bay region. Fair
Work Inspectors will audit businesses across a variety of
industries in Bundaberg, Gympie, Maryborough, Hervey Bay and
surrounding areas.

B2B Expo Melbourne and Sydney

Masterchef judge underpays employees

MasterChef judge and celebrity chef George Calombaris has been
found guilty of underpaying 162 of his restaurants' employees a
total of up to $2.6m. After an investigation by the Fair Work
Ombudsman found payroll errors dating back 6 years.

Fair Work Fiasco Defies Belief

Major Upgrade - New and Improved Content

The Team at Workforce Guardian are very excited to
officially release the latest major upgrade to our cloud HR
systems. In this upgrade we have released
twenty-four updated HR processes and eight (8) new HR processes to
help our subscribers. All at no additional cost.

Ban on foreign workers in fast food industry

The Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has announced a ban on
major fast food outlets importing staffing. In an unprecedented
crackdown by the federal government. It is the first time an
entire sector has been banned from sponsoring overseas workers.

Changes to Penalty Rates: What You Need to Know

Australia's national workplace relations tribunal, the Fair Work
Commission (FWC), has handed down an important decision regarding
Sunday and public holiday penalty rates for employees covered by a
number of Modern Awards, including the General Retail
Industry Award 2010.

Major Upgrade: Important Information FEB 2017

The team here at Workforce Guardian is very pleased to announce
the next major upgrade of our services will commence on Saturday 25
February 2017. The rollout of all our new and upgraded features
will take approximately two weeks. Here's a handy summary of what
you need to know.

Two takeaways from the Pizza Hut pay saga

Why I'm with VP Watson

When I appeared on the Switzer program last
week and once again raised serious concerns about the operation of
Australia's national employment relations tribunal, the Fair Work
Commission, I could not have imagined I'd be proven so right so
soon.

$143,000 in penalties for $18,000 underpayment

Three-quarters of Pizza Hut outlets found to be non-compliant

Less than a week after one of the Fair Work Commission's
(FWC) most senior members issued a scathing letter of resignation,
saying the FWC is viewed by the business community as
"partisan, dysfunctional and divided", the Fair Work Ombudsman
(FWO) has released an Activity Report confirming widespread
non-compliance within Pizza Hut outlets. With three quarters of
audited outlets failing to comply with workplace laws

Sky News Interview - 17 January 2017

Resignation of Vice President Proves the Fair Work Commission is Failing

In a scathing letter of resignation made public today, one of
the Commission's most senior members - Vice President Watson - has
proved beyond any lingering doubt that each and every one of the
criticisms Workforce Guardian have levelled at the Commission in
recent years has been justified.

Big penalty for Adelaide windscreens company and its director

An Adelaide car windscreens company and its director
have been penalised almost $85,000 after exploiting seven
employees, including one who was paid a flat hourly rate of just
$12.50 for a period of 10 years.

Competitor Contract Review

Workforce Guardian was recently asked to review employment
contracts provided to one of our clients by a competitor. Our
employment law experts were alarmed at the number of serious
compliance issues we identified, and the substantial risks these
created for the employer.

5 things on the small business wish list for 2017

Despite all the big promises made to small businesses by this
government - and despite all the pro-small business rhetoric we
hear in Question Time and in government press releases - now's a
terrible time to be a small business owner here in Australia. So,
for what it's worth, here's a list of the things I'd like to see
the Government do for small business in 2017.

Medical Certificates: What You Need to Know

The Fair Work Act 2009 makes it clear that
employers are required to provide their employees with a minimum
number of personal/carer's leave days each year. This article helps
employers understand their rights.

Fair Work Inspectors target Ballarat in regional Victoria

Volunteers and Your Record-Keeping Obligations

Many not-for-profit (NFP) organisations rely on volunteers to
provide a wide range of services to the people and communities they
serve. However, many NFPs fail to comply with the very important -
and often legally-enforceable - requirements to maintain proper
records about their volunteers. In this article, we take a closer
look at what you should do now to protect your NFP.

Chemist Warehouse forced to back-pay workers over $3.5 million

How the FWO Let You Down Again

As a result of the Fair Work Ombudsman's (FWO) public silence
for over 9 months, hundreds - perhaps thousands - of employers have
been misled into signing multi-year contracts with a company
falsely implying their service was either endorsed by - or somehow
linked to - the FWO.

IPA NSW ACT Conference 2016 Supporters

Staying open over the holidays

For some businesses, the Christmas/New Year period is one of the
busiest times of the year. Here is some useful information to help
you manage your employees if you're staying open through the
holidays.

Fair Work Inspectors hit Sydney

Switzer Blog 23 Nov 2016

David Bates from Workforce Guardian talks about a recent
decision by the Fair Work Commission to overturn a dodgy Enterprise
Agreement made between the SDA (one of the largest and most
self-indulgent unions in the country) and Coles. Because it quite
clearly failed the 'Better Off Overall Test' ('BOOT') imposed by
the Fair Work Act.

Trump and the not-so-silent majority

Record penalty against businessman who refused to clean up his act

A rogue Brisbane businessman has been penalised a record
$126,540 and ordered to back-pay migrant workers almost $60,000 in
a result that sends a warning that individuals can be held
personally liable for exploitation of workers.

124000 in penalties for underpayment of charity collector in Sydney

Penalties totalling $124,000 against a fundraising company and
its director for underpaying a backpacker working as
charity-collector in Sydney less than $8000 send a message about
the seriousness of sham contracting, according to the Fair Work
Ombudsman.

1.9 million back-paid for Cleaners at Oaks Hotels & Resorts

Paying your employees annual salaries? Read this.

More often than not, employers tell me they ignore the
applicable Modern Award because they 'pay employees a salary which
includes all the Award entitlements'. When I then try to explain
just how risky this approach is under Australia's unique Fair Work
system, many employers assume we're exaggerating the danger.

Yogurberry chain hit with big penalties and an order for a national audit

The master franchisor of the Yogurberry frozen yoghurt chain in
Australia has been hit with $146,000 in penalties and an order for
a national audit of the Yogurberry chain. The first time the Fair
Work Ombudsman has secured penalties against a master franchisor
for being an accessory to the exploitative practices of one its
associated companies.

Sydney man and his company penalised by the Fair Work Ombudsman

Sydney man Michael Girowal has been penalised $1890 and his
company Green Clean (Aust) Pty Ltd has been penalised a further
$9450 in the Federal Circuit Court, following legal action by the
Fair Work Ombudsman.

Restaurant operator penalised for underpayments

Fair Work Inspectors target Victorias Gippsland Region

The Fair Work Ombudsman has issued a media release advising that
it will audit employers in Victoria as part of a new campaign. Fair
Work Inspectors will target businesses located in the Gippsland
region.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has issued a media release advising that
it will audit employers in NSW as part of a new campaign. Fair Work
Inspectors will target businesses located in the Southern Highlands
and Shoalhaven region.

Workforce Guardian at ATSA 2016

Labour-hire operator penalised more than $100,000

A labour-hire operator in Sydney who hired young Asian workers
because they are "younger, cheaper and faster than locals who are
old and slow" has been penalised more than $100,000. The Fair Work
Ombudsman said the penalties should help to dispel the myth that
overseas workers of any particular nationality can be paid a
'going-rate' that is less than what the law requires.

Almost $300,000 penalty for restaurant owner-operators and company

The operators of an inner Sydney restaurant have been penalised
almost $300,000 for underpaying their employees and using false
records. Restaurant owner-operators Joon Hoe
Lee, Julian Lee and Alan Wing-Keung Au have been penalised $36,992,
$35,360 and $35,360 respectively. Their company
Mamak Pty Ltd has been penalised a further $184,960.

The Fair Work Commission does not get small business

Many tax-payer funded organisations have a 'problem' with one or
more of their key stakeholders. The ATO, for example, sometimes
clashes with accountants and bookkeepers. The Health Department
occasionally clashes with the Australian Medical Association. And
the Immigration Department is often in dispute with refugee rights
advocates.

Important Changes to Annual Leave

The Fair Work Commission has recently made a number of
very important changes to annual leave entitlements for Modern Award-covered employees. Employers should familiarise themselves with these changes
because they may require existing workplace
policies and procedures to be updated.

HR Oversight Costs Over $54,000

A Fair Work Ombudsman investigation has found a business on the
NSW Mid-North Coast failed to pay correct annual leave entitlements
and calculate accurate leave balances for its shift workers for six
years. The Fair Work Ombudsman says the employer
should have had systems in place to monitor and correctly calculate
its employees' annual leave entitlements.

Pokemon Go No Laughing Matter for Employers

Pokemon Go has taken the world by storm with over 100
million downloads to date. But Google 'Pokemon' and
'accident' and you'll quickly see that this augmented reality game
is no lauging matter for employers.

The Fair Work Ombudsman will audit 365 textile, clothing
and footwear businesses across Australia in the second phase of a
national campaign aimed at building compliance with workplace laws
across the industry.

$93,000 penalty for transport company

Directors personally fined for breaching fair work laws

Two company directors/shareholders have been
personally fined $20,000 each for their involvement in
breaches of the Fair Work Act by a 7-Eleven
franchise in Victoria.The Federal Circuit Court also ordered the
company to pay a $150,000 penalty for deliberately underpaying
employees and using a "reverse calculation" regime to cover its
tracks.

Wage rate changes tomorrow

Last month, the Fair Work Commission announced a 2.4 per
cent increase to the National Minimum Wage, Modern Award wage rates
and agreed base rates of pay. The minimum hourly rate for
adult workers will rise from $17.29 to $17.70 on 1 July
2016.

Record penalty against 7-Eleven operator

Record penalties and landmark Order making businessman personally liable for back-payments

A federal judge has imposed record penalties of over
$300,000 and a precedent-setting Court Order for a businessman to
personally back-pay employees following a case involving the
underpayment of workers on the Gold Coast.

Over 40% of WA employers not compliant

Spot checks of employers in Western Australia's Gascoyne
and Mid-West regions have found over 40% are not fully
compliant with their obligations under federal workplace
laws. Businesses were scrutinised to assess their compliance
with minimum wage rates, overtime and weekend penalty rates,
allowances, and pay-slip and record-keeping obligations.

Media Company Penalised 272k

Fair Work Inspectors target NSW

The Fair Work Ombudsman has issued a media release advising that
it will audit employers in NSW as part of a new campaign. Fair Work
Inspectors will target businesses located in and around Dubbo,
Moree, Narrabri, Wellington and Narromine and will run until
August.

Coles Given 10 Days to Fix Fair Work Failures

In a decision published on Tuesday morning, the Fair
Work Commission ruled that the Coles EBA, which
covers some 77,000 employees, failed what is known as the better
off overall test (BOOT). For a workplace
agreement to be legal, all employees must be made better off when
an agreement is compared to the award.

Get set for a 2.4% wage increase

Fair Work Inspectors targeting Brisbane

The Fair Work Ombudsman has issued a media release advising that
it will audit employers in Brisbane as part of a new campaign. Fair
Work Inspectors will target businesses in the Brisbane CBD,
Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane and West End regions.

Over 25% of Hobart employers not compliant

Spot checks of employers north-west of Hobart have found over
25% are not fully compliant with their obligations under federal
workplace laws. Businesses were scrutinised to assess their
compliance with minimum wage rates, overtime and weekend penalty
rates, allowances, and pay-slip and record-keeping obligations.

McDonald's underpaying employees up to 30% below award

McDonald's employees are being underpaid tens of millions
of dollars per year thanks to an agreement struck between the fast
food giant and the food workers' union. More
than two-thirds of the fast food giant's workers are paid less than
the basic wages safety net, known as the Fast Food
Award.

Retailer faces court for underpaying workers

A hair product retailer operating two shopping centre
kiosks in Melbourne is facing legal action for allegedly
underpaying its workers tens of thousands of dollars. Corioliss Pty Ltd faces penalties of up to $54,000 per
contravention.

Fair Work Inspectors targeting South East Queensland

The Fair Work Ombudsman has issued a media release advising that
it will audit employers in South East Queensland as part of a new
campaign. With a focus on South Queensland, the Darling Downs,
Griffith, Murrumbidgee and Broken Hill.

Alerts Major Upgrade

Personnel Files Major Upgrade

The Team at Workforce Guardian are very excited to
officially release the latest major upgrade to our cloud HR
systems. Delivering more features and value to our subscribers. All
at no additional cost. This upgrade delivers major enhancements to
our Personnel Files including significant new database features to
help users manage employee records.

Fair Work Inspectors targeting SA

The Fair Work Ombudsman has issued a media release advising that
it will audit employers in South Australia as part of a new
campaign. The three-month campaign focus on businesses located in
the Barossa Valley, Gawler and Two Wells until the end of June.

$188,100 penalty for underpaying trolley pushers

Fair Work Inspectors targeting NT

The Fair Work Ombudsman has issued a media release advising that
it will audit employers in the Northern Territory as part of a new
campaign. With a focus on Alice Springs and the Barkly
Region. The two-month campaign will focus on businesses in the
accommodation and food services, nursing, farming, retail and
construction sectors.

IPA SA Professional Symposium 2016

Our Managing Director, David Bates, spoke at the recent
Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) South Australian Professional
Symposium, held at Morphettville Racecourse on Thursday 31 March
& Friday 1 April.

Think HR doesn’t matter? Think again!

Accounting firm faces court for role in underpaying workers

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against
a Victorian accounting firm for providing false advice to a client
which resulted in the underpayment of workers. Under Section 550 of the Fair Work Act 2009, advisors
such as accountants and HR professionals may be liable as an
accessory if an employer breaches Australian employment laws.

Accountants and business advisors in Ombudsmans sights

HR Manager Prosecuted for Fair Work Act Breaches

The Federal Circuit Court has ruled that a recruitment and labour hire company, its director and HR
manager knowingly falsified employment records and made unlawful
deductions from the wages of cleaners working in Melbourne's Crown
Casino and Federation Square.

2016 Global Business Camp

Get Efficient Virtual HR Services

Your employees are your biggest strength. They stand behind you
and ensure that your business is functioning smoothly and you're
earning revenue. They are your most valuable assets, so it's vital
to take steps to manage and protect their interests.

Workforce Guardian Features Guide

The 'Features Guide' includes a contents page to help you
quickly and easily find what you need. As well as links to pages on
our website with more information about each of the features in our
system.

Sydney labour-hire operator prosecuted

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced proceedings against
a Sydney labour-hire company for allegedly underpaying 19 overseas
workers more than $45,000. Some it alleges were employed in
factories supplying products to Coles, Woolworths, airlines and
schools.

Ronald McDonald House

Workforce Guardian is a proud supporter of Ronald McDonald
House Westmead. The Families, Staff, Board and
Volunteers at Ronald McDonald Westmead recently sent a certificate
of thanks to acknowledge the contribution from David Bates and the
team at Workforce Guardian.

$300,000-plus for harassed worker

A tribunal has awarded a record $330,000 damages payout to
a sexually harassed postal worker, after the Victorian Human Rights
and Equal Opportunity responded to an invitation to intervene and
make submissions on compensation.

2015 Workforce Guardian Value Report

The 2015 Workforce Guardian Subscription Value Report was
published on 27 January 2016 and confirms the vast majority of
Workforce Guardian customers are obtaining incredible value from
their subscription.

Take-away food outlet prosecuted

Another 7-Eleven store prosecuted

Another 7-Eleven store in Brisbane has allegedly been
short-changing its workers tens of thousands of
dollars. The Fair Work Ombudsman has announced
legal action against the operators of a 7-Eleven outlet on Boundary
Road, West End.

Sky News Interview - 13 January 2016

Fair Work Inspectors target health care and social assistance industry

Fair Work inspectors will check up to 600 employers over
the coming months to ensure their businesses are paying the correct
minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, allowances and loadings and
providing appropriate meal breaks.

Finally some light at the end of the tunnel

Everyone is running around right now saying 'Happy New
Year'… and for Australia's embattled small business employers, 2016
might just be a little happier than previously thought. Read more
in the latest Switzer Blog by Workforce Guardian.

Sky News Interview - 8 December 2015

5 Tips to Avoid HR Disasters at Your Work Christmas Party

Most Australian employers are now busy planning to celebrate the
holiday season with their teams either by hosting a party or
arranging some other type of get-together. Follow these 5 simple
and easy steps to avoid HR disasters at your work Christmas
Party.

Sky News Interview - 24 November 2015

Pizza Hut under fire for sham contracts

Australia's second-biggest pizza chain, Pizza Hut, is under fire
as evidence emerges that its franchisees are using "sham" contracts
to pay delivery drivers as little as $12 an hour without super or
WorkCover.

Fair Work Inspectors target western Sydney

The Fair Work Ombudsman is auditing businesses in western
Sydney to ensure employers are paying the correct
minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, allowances and loadings and
providing appropriate meal breaks. Compliance with record-keeping and pay-slip obligations is
also being monitored.

Fair Work Inspectors target Canberra and Queanbeyan

The Fair Work Ombudsman is auditing businesses in Canberra
and Queanbeyan to ensure employers are paying the
correct minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, allowances and
loadings and providing appropriate meal breaks. Compliance with record-keeping and pay-slip obligations is
also being monitored.

My Business Awards Sponsor

Workforce Guardian was a proud sponsor of the My Business Awards
2015. Each year the My Business Awards, Australia's
longest standing business awards. celebrate a fresh batch of
innovative, successful business owners who take to the stage to be
awarded the prestigious title of 'My Business Award Winner'.

Sky News Interview - November 2015

The subject of workplace bullying can be a minefield, as
the recent case of an employee who 'unfriended' a colleague on
Facebook shows. So what can employers do to mitigate the risks?
David Bates of Workforce Guardian shares his insights.

Big rise in general protections claims

General protections claims involving dismissal increased
17.5% in 2014-15, according to the latest Fair
Work Commission Annial Report. General
protections claims not involving dismissal also increased
substantially, up 12.5% from 779 to 879.

Proud supporters of Day for Daniel

Fair Work Inspectors target Darwin

Fair Work Inspectors will audit up to 50 random businesses
in Darwin this week to check that
employers are paying the correct minimum hourly rates, penalty
rates, allowances, loadings and providing appropriate meal
breaks.

Lifestyle SA fined $196k for underpaying staff

$10k in fines for underpaying worker

More than $10,000 in fines have been imposed after an ugg
boot retailer paid an overseas worker in Sydney just $8 an
hour. The Fair Work Ombudsman took legal action after the
employee lodged a request for assistance. The employee was
subsequently back-paid in full.

Melbourne 7-Eleven latest to face court for breaching employment laws

A Melbourne 7-Eleven store operator is the latest to face court
for allegedly breaching employment laws. Last financial year the
Fair Work Ombudsman filed two litigations against 7-Eleven stores
and entered into an Enforceable Undertaking with a third. In
addition, Fair Work inspectors issued three Compliance Notices, 13
Infringement Notices (on-the-spot fines) and 16 Letters of Caution
to 7-Eleven store operators.

Workforce Guardian at ATSA 2015

Workforce Guardian is at the Hilton Sydney for ATSA 2015. ATSA
2015 is the Accountant's Technology Showcase Australia, Australia's
only dedicated independent technology event for accountants in
practice.

WG talks about 7-Eleven Prosecutions for Underpayments and Trade Unions Royal Commission

The benefits of installing human resource information system software

Human resource information system software is just software that
automates your Human Resources department. Efficiently running your
administrative system so you can reach your business goals, without
it your business has no direction.

Fair Work Act fines increase

The maximum penalty for each breach of the Fair
Work Act 2009 has risen to $54,000. This increase has wide effect, as there
is a growing trend in adverse action claims to prosecute all of the
people "involved" in any contravention, in addition to the company.
This may include the human resources manager, line manager, general
counsel, or a director or officer of the company.

The former operator of an Alice Springs café has been fined
$1500 for record-keeping failures discovered during a Fair Work
Ombudsman campaign. He was also ordered to complete training in
relevant employment law for hiring employees and provide the Fair
Work Ombudsman with evidence of having done so.

Two My Kitchen food outlets prosecuted for underpaying staff

Sydney manufacturing company and its Director face court after allegedly paying workers as little as $8 an hour

A Sydney manufacturing company and one of its directors
will face Court after allegedly paying a Sri Lankan couple as
little as $8 an hour. According to the Fair Work
Ombudsman, the low wage rate resulted in the couple being
short-changed more than $86,000. The owner and his
company face penalties of up to $54,000 per
breach.

7-Eleven operator faces Court over underpayments

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal proceedings
against a 7-Eleven retail store in Sydney which allegedly underpaid
two migrant employees almost $50,000 and created erroneous records
for the workers. The owner and his company face penalties of
up to $54,000 per breach.

Fair Work Act penalties now up to $54,000

The maximum penalty for each breach of the Fair Work
Act 2009 has risen to $54,000. This
increase has wide effect, as there is a growing trend in adverse
action claims to prosecute all of the people "involved" in any
contravention, in addition to the company. This may include the
human resources manager, line manager, general counsel, or a
director or officer of the company.

Restaurant prosecuted for short-changing workers

A Fremantle restaurant has ended up with a hefty bill for
back-payment of wages after it was found to be short-changing its
waiting staff. The matter is one of a number
finalised by the Fair Work Ombudsman in and around Perth
recently.

Telstra recommends Workforce Guardian

Workforce Guardian is proud to be recognised by Telstra as one
of the best applications for business. As well as the only employee
management system recommended by Telstra on the Telstra Apps
Marketplace.

Tour company penalised almost $100,000

A Cairns businessman and his tour company have been
penalised almost $100,000 in fines and back-pay orders after
short-changing five backpackers and defiantly claiming they would
"not get a cent" of it.

What does a human resource management information system do?

A human resource management information system merges the
general day-to-day running of your human resources department with
technology. It's simply the evolution of HR and IT. Thanks to the
improvements in technology these two areas can be merged into one
and Workforce Guardian can show you how.

FWO report slams Baiada Group

The employment practices employed by Baiada, which produces the
Lilydale Select and Steggles brands for Woolworths, Coles, IGA,
Aldi, McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Red Rooster, Nando's and Subway,
are the subject of a scathing report by the Fair Work Ombudsman
(FWO).

10 Ways You’re Accidentally Breaking Employment Law

A look at human resource information system software

How a business runs today has changed and evolved over time and
the way the human resources department manages your company has
changed. In general the HR department of any company or business
manages employee information, this includes skills, job, history,
background and education and without the aid of computers this
information was hard to manage. Thanks to Human resource
information system software you now have a programme that is capable of handling all
matters of employment and staff.

Episode 7 - Avoid Big Fines and Expensive Employee Claims

Jen has had enough of Frank's poor performance in the
workplace and tries to terminate his employment. But Frank has
other ideas. Threatening to lodge an unfair dismissal claim unless
Jen pays him $50,000 to go away. Oh, Frank! Should have subscribed
to Workforce Guardian.

Episode 6 - Access The HR Compliance Tools You Need

Has Frank been caught drinking alcohol and watching adult
material in the workplace? Will Jen fire him? Or does she risk an
expensive unfair dismissal claim without the right HR compliance
tools in place to manage the situation effectively?!

Cafe faces court for record-keeping failures

Episode 5 - Ensure HR Records Are Safe and Sound

A Fair Work Inspector arrives for a random workplace
compliance audit. Does Frank have the required employment records
including time and wage records, as well as pay slips, or will his
mayhem expose the business to big fines and expensive
penalties?!

$4.8m back-pay for aged care workers

Thousands of aged care nurses, allied health workers and
support staff are being reimbursed almost $4.8 million after their
employer inadvertently underpaid their overtime rates for at least
six years.

David Bates appears on Sky News

Episode 4 - Ensure Modern Awards Compliance

A new employee asks Frank about his Award. Does Frank know
which of the 122 Modern Awards apply to his job or will Frank
create more mayhem for Jen's business by exposing her to big fines
of up to $51,000 for breaches of the Fair Work Act?

Human resources is the department (or section) that processes
payrolls, receives e-mails, employs workers and deals with anything
else employee related. Times have changed and today the human
resources *industry* is now using technology more than ever, thanks
to the invention of a Human resource information management system
everything that was once performed manually is now under the
control of software.

Episode 3 - Prevent Unlawful Harassment

Frank is starting employee performance reviews. Jen asks
Frank if she can sit in on the first meeting. Will it be a "walk in
the park" like Frank says?! Or is Frank about to create more mayhem
with his own interpretation of a "360% performance
review"?!

Episode 2 - Affordable Online Support from Qualified HR Experts

Frank has now been employed with Jen for a week. Jen
follows up with Frank about his employment contract. But instead
gets a bill for $800 "PLUS GST" from a law firm. Sounds like Jen
needs access to affordable HR advice. Who can Jen ask?

Simple small business award or more new rules?

Both the NSW Business Chamber and the Australian Retail
Association (ARA) are calling for special clauses to be included in
most of the country's Modern Awards to make life easier for small
businesses. While the intention is great, their proposals
aren't.

Hairdressing operator fined $162,000

Nando's restaurant prosecuted for breaching Fair Work Act

A Nando's restaurant withheld the first two weeks' wages
from a new staff member in a bid to ensure the employee stayed in
the job for at least three months, a Fair Work Ombudsman
investigation has revealed.

Episode 1 - Employment Contracts

Each week for the next seven weeks we'll be releasing a
new 'Oh, Frank! Should have subscribed to Workforce Guardian'
commercial on the Workforce Guardian YouTube Channel. We hope you
enjoy watching the adventures of Frank as he creates mayhem for an
unfortunate small business operator.

Employer fined for disgraceful treatment of chef

Why your business needs hris

Human Resources Information Software is important for your
business; it will help generate a LOT of information that is
related to your employees and to your business. At Workforce
Guardian we realise how important it is for your business to access
this type of information and using hris system software will help
you harness all this information.

Fair Work inspectors target employers of backpackers on working holidays

In the first nine months of this financial year, the Fair Work
Ombudsman has already recouped $1.281 million for 345 underpaid
visa-holders. The Agency is now receiving more requests for
assistance from visa-holders working in Australia than ever before
with one in 10 requests for assistance now coming from
visa-holders. Fair Work Inspectors will target Byron Bay, Lismore,
Gympie and Maroochydore this week as part of a year-long
Inquiry.

Payslips - Are you compliant

Incomplete and incorrect pay slips are still one of the most
common problems identified by Fair Work Inspectors. Workforce
Guardian can help employers avoid fines for failing to meet their
their record‑keeping and pay slip obligations under the Fair Work
Act 2009.

Sky News Interview - April 2015

FWO targets clothing retailers

The Fair Work Ombudsman has announced a two year education and
compliance campaign targeting 1000 clothing retailers,
wholesalers, distributors and contractors who employ migrant and overseas workers to make clothes from their
homes.

5 Ways To Let Your Team Know You are A Control Freak

Every manager wants to be a control freak, right? Nobody
wants to believe in empowerment, autonomy, or recognizing
achievements. It's all about micromanagement. Read our latest blog
article by Paul Slezak, Cofounder at RecruitLoop.

What happened to Fair Work

How to get the best from your H.R.I. System Software

Human Resources Information Systems Software helps make any
business's Human Resources department far more advanced. Human
Resources Information Systems Software is used to track information
and has been designed to make your Human Resources process more
streamlined and efficient.

Fair Work Inspectors target NSW Mid-North Coast

Review of Employment Laws Announced

The long-awaited release of the terms of reference for the
Productivity Commission's upcoming review of
Australia's (hopelessly complex) employment laws has triggered an
unsurprising reaction from the 'usual
suspects'.

Massage business prosecuted for sham contracting

Too many employers still assume that as long as a
person has an ABN, they can safely be engaged as an independent
contractor. This is simply not the case. Another alleged sham
contracting case involving Lu's Healthcare Pty Ltd is a
timely reminder of the importance of correctly
classifying each worker as either an employee or an independent
contractor. If found guilty,
the business managerfaces
possible penalties of up to $10,200 per breach and the company
faces maximum penalties of up to $51,000 per breach.

The Fair Work Review No-one Needs

The key issues faced by employers under our current,
hopelessly complex employment relations laws are clear for all to
see. So why do we need an expensive, 11-month-long review by the
Productivity Commission to tell us what we already
know?!

3 hot HR Tips for 2015

Shopping Centre Trolley Collection Providers Fined

In the past six years, the Fair Work Ombudsman has
recovered over $433,000 in underpaid wages and entitlements for
more than 500 trolley collectors throughout Australia.

In recent months, the Fair Work Ombudsman has stepped up
its efforts to protect trolley collectors, warning the supermarket
giants they can no longer turn a blind eye to the persistent
problem of trolley collectors being exploited by
sub-contractors.

Is your workplace safe?

Gold Sponsor of IPA National Conference 2014

Workforce Guardian is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of this
years Institute of Public Accountants 2014
National Congress being held at the beautiful 5 star Crowne Plaza
Resort in the Hunter Valley, New South
Wales.

New Benefit - Sample Position Decriptions

5 simple steps to avoid HR disasters at your work Christmas Party

Most Australian employers are now busy planning to
celebrate the holiday season with their teams either by hosting a
party or arranging some other type of get-together. Follow these 5
simple and easy steps to avoid HR disasters at your work Christmas
Party.

Tips for managing information

Who doesn't want to work smarter? But, when it comes to human
resources information management system - what does work smarter
mean? It simply means adopting a style of work based on the
decisions you make and how you actually manage information while
doing it.

Major Product Upgrade Now Live

I am very excited to officially release the biggest
upgrade to our cloud HR systems in the history of Workforce
Guardian. More than just an upgrade this latest release includes a
complete re-engineering of the Workforce Guardian platform which
has allowed us to build more features and deliver more benefits for
subscribers. All at no additional cost to your annual
subscription.

Workforce Guardian on Sky News

Need HR Advice for a Client? Don’t Google!

We all love Google. We no longer need encyclopaedias,
maps, history or recipe books, or even a wise
old family member who knows the answer to just about everything
(even if they do occasionally make up the answer
on the spot!). No, these days all we need is a device connected
to the internet and the ability to spell
'google' to find everything we need.

Unfair Dismissal v Adverse Action

While many employers have at least a vague idea of what an
'unfair dismissal' is and how to avoid one, far
fewer are familiar with 'adverse action' claims. Given the rise in
the number of these claims - and the significant
risks they pose for small business employers - this week we take a
look at the key differences between these two
quite distinct claims.

Bash Bug Safe Site

Earlier this week, we learned about a potential security
threat called the Bash bug, also known as Shellshock. Since learning about this potential threat, Workforce
Guardian has taken action to ensure that our ultra-high security
environment remains secure and that we have a
Shellshock/Bash Bug Safe Site.

Presentation to ICB and Open Colleges Event

What the Unions did say

Last week, in advance of my debate with Ged Kearney
(President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions - ACTU), at the COSBOA National Small Business Summit,
my blog listed all the things I guessed Ms
Kearney wouldn't say. Well, I am pleased to say I was
100% right! Ms Kearney didn't say any of the above. But it's what
she did say that should send a shiver up the
spine of every hard-working small business
employer.

National Small Business Summit 2014

What the Unions Won't Say

The annual Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) HR
Summit will take place on 7 and 8 August in Melbourne. I'm
fortunate enough to have been invited to take part in a 'panel
debate' on the current state of Australia's Fair Work system.
Joining me on that panel will be Ged Kearney, the current President
of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

The operator of a former Gloria Jean's coffee shop in Sydney's
Kings Cross (Senan Pty Ltd) has been forced to pay $2000
compensation to a young casual employee who was dismissed after she
queried her pay rate following an investigation by the Fair
Work Ombudsman.

RSL guilty of Fair Work Act breaches

Human Resources Information Systems Software

If your company is struggling to keep all your employee
information in an organized and categorized manner, the Workforce Guardian has the best solution for you. All
you need to do is get our Human Resources Information Systems
Software and see the difference for yourself. Your company will be
better organized and as a result will be more productive and
efficient.

Subscriber Wins Telstra Business Award

Get Human Resource Management Information System for Your Company

Make all your Human Resource Management tasks simpler and easier
with Workforce Guardian HR Solutions. We can offer
you a Human Resource Management Information System that will enable
you to organize all your company data in relation to your employees
in a more efficient manner.

Independent contractor vs employee: you need to get it right

Too many employers still assume that as long as a person
has an ABN, they can safely be engaged as an independent
contractor. Wrong. A Roy Morgan Group Company found out the hard
way this week with penalties of more than $300,000.

Cafe penalised over unlawful wage deductions

Pay Packet Review for National Pizza Franchise

A national pizza franchise must review the records of a third of
its 65 Australian stores to check that workers are receiving their
proper wages and conditions following action by the Fair Work
Ombudsman.

Complete Human Resource Solutions Online

At Workforce Guardian we specialise in providing online human
resources services to our customers. The benefits of choosing to
use our online tools to efficiently and easily comply with your HR
requirements are significant, and using the online tools Workforce
Guardian is the best choice of all.

An important reminder about adverse action

If an employer takes, or even threatens to take, any form
of 'adverse action' against an employee because they exercise a
workplace right, they face the risk of extremely expensive,
time-consuming, and complex legal action.

Are Commission-Only Contracts Legal

Restaurant operators fined $334,000

The operators of two Melbourne restaurants who gave
teenage employees pizza and soft drink instead of their correct
wages have been fined a total of $334,818 following an
investigation and litigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Inspectors target retail stores

Trade unions still living in Twilight Zone

Australia has only scored a 3 in the latest International Trade
Union Confederation's (ITUC) 2014 'Global Rights Index'. Putting us
in the category of nations where there is a 'regular violation of
rights'. Next to countries like Bolivia, Bulgaria, Ethiopia and
Ghana.

Inspectors to audit record-keeping

Fair Work Inspectors will target 350 businesses throughout NSW,
Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT to ensure that
they are complying with their record-keeping obligations under the
Fair Work Act 2009.

Fair Work to target Orchards

The Fair Work laws: is blissful ignorance saving the day?

Recent events have got me thinking…what if the only reason
our economy keeps ticking along is because most people are just
ignoring the hopelessly complex Fair Work laws? Read more in the
latest Workforce Guardian HR Blog on Switzer.

Landscapers fined over allowance sack threats

More than $13,000 in fines and compensation orders have been
imposed after a casual employee was threatened with the sack for
pursuing a vehicle allowance when using his own motor vehicle for
work duties.

Need savings Joe? Axe the Fair Work shambles

All the talk this week is, unsurprisingly, about the
spending cuts announced in the Coalition's Federal Budget 2014.
"But it seems to me that Joe Hockey's missed a trick by leaving our
shambolic Fair Work system untouched." argues David Bates, Managing
Director of Workforce Guardian.

Spotlight on retail hospitality businesses

Heading to the Commission-Better get a Law Degree fast!

In a recent - and rather revealing admission by a serving
Fair Work Commission (FWC) Member, Deputy President Sams recently
confirmed what many have suspected for a long time: that the
representation of parties by lawyers at the Commission is "…more
often than not, a welcome relief."

Manage your business better with HRIS Systems

Do I have to give my employees a warning?

While you don't have to give warnings, if an employee makes
an unfair
dismissal claim, the Fair Work Commission may consider whether
you gave the employee a warning or gave them an opportunity to
improve their performance.

Workplace myth: Permanent Casual

Smoke a joint crash a ferry and get your job back?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Fair
Work Commission has reached another decision which will infuriate
many employers. Reinstating a ferry master who was fired after
crashing a ferry into a wharf and admitting he had smoked marijuana
the night before.

HR Support Service

It's time for a Modern Award for Small Business

Is it right, fair, or even logical for the little shop on
your corner to be bound by the same Modern Award that applies to
Australia's largest retailers? David Bates, Managing Director of
Workforce Guardian explains in his latest Switzer blog why its time
for a Modern Award for Small Business.

Why written employment contracts matter

We really can't over-emphasise the importance of good
contracts. Just imagine how much time, money and distress
could be saved by key terms of the employer/employee relationship
being put in writing and signed off by both parties.

Heartbleed Safe Site

Last week, we learned about a potential security threat
called the Heartbleed bug.Since learning about this
potential threat, Workforce Guardian has taken action to ensure
that our ultra-high security environment remains
secure and that we have a Heartbleed Safe Site.

Workplace Relations Minister for a day

A few weeks ago I was invited to speak at a HR conference
where, consistent with the views I've previously expressed in this
blog, I challenged the fairness of the Fair Work Act 2009 and
suggested that the Fair Work Commission (FWC) and Modern Awards are
simply not fit for purpose. This prompted one
conference attendee to ask: what would you do if you were the
Minister for a day?

The $90,000 wage mistake: Lessons for every employer

Finding the right minimum pay rate for employees can be
tough, but the penalties for getting it wrong can be much, much
tougher. Just ask two doctors in Sydney. Last
month their practice was fined almost $90,000.

COSBOA Dinner raises important HR issues

Junior Wages Rates

Australia's national employment tribunal, the Fair Work
Commission (FWC), has ruled that 20 year old 'junior' employees
covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2010 should receive
the full adult wage rate.

Easter is fast approaching

COSBOA welcomes Workforce Guardian as new partner

Workforce Guardian is proud to be a new partner and the
official sponsor for the Council of Small Business Organisations of
Australia (COSBOA) Business Leaders Dinner with Rod Sims, Chairman
of the ACCC and his Deputy Chairman and Commissioner responsible
for Small Business, Michael Schaper.

Former company director fined $28,000 over underpayment of eight employees

Workforce Guardian’s state of the art human resource management software

For many years now in industry, technology has driven human
resources. With thousands of applicants for each new position that
arises, businesses need to harness human resources information
systems software to get the job done.

Is the Abbott Government making it easier for employers

Toyota Material Handling fined almost $50,000

Toyota Material Handling (NSW) Pty Ltd has been fined
$49,550 as the result of an investigation and legal action by the
Fair Work Ombudsman for failing to ensure they
negotiate lawfully with employees in an environment free of duress
and illegitimate pressure.

End to end human resource management with Workforce Guardian

Human resources is now a vehicle whose drivers require both
automation and expert knowledge. With a sophisticated human
resource management information system you can drive new efficiency
into hiring, payroll, leave management and exit
processes.

With an increasingly expanding workforce relations policy and
legislation, Australia has one of the most complicated systems in
the world when it comes to human resources. Our company, Workforce
Guardian, seeks to provide a shield to employers so that they
understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to
employees.

Brothels in breach of workplace laws

The immunity thats not an immunity

Let me explain (and please accept my apologies
in advance - this doesn't end well for
employers). Something quite remarkable happened on 30
December 2013. While most of us were on holidays, the Minister
responsible for employment laws, The Hon Eric Abetz, issued a press
release announcing small businesses which rely on advice from the
Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) would not be prosecuted if the advice
later turned out to be wrong. "Wow - that's great news" thought many employers. But this
is, unfortunately, a Clayton's immunity...

Disclaimer

Please Note: This blog contains general commentary on HR
and employment relations. As Workforce Guardian is not a law firm,
we do not provide legal advice. Information contained in this blog
should not be relied upon as a substitution for legal
advice.

Workforce Guardian to visit 20 cities in 23 days with Xero Roadshows

Biggest HR problem in Australia

We have, rather sadly, become one of those places
where no-win, no-fee lawyers now relentlessly spruik their wares on
daytime television and where any form of disciplinary action taken
by an employer - no matter how carefully-invoked or even justified
in the circumstances - is often met with a letter from a law firm
threatening litigation on behalf of their client.

300 retailers earmarked for scrutiny

How to Avoid HR Disaster in 2014

Tips for Accountants and Bookkeepers

If your firm was one of the many that found itself investigated
and penalised for breaches of the Fair Work Act in 2013, chances
are you're already (painfully!) aware of the most common HR
mistakes made by accountants and bookkeepers that result in heavy
fines.

4 simple steps to HR success in 2014

Alert: National audits of fast food outlets commence

The Fair Work Ombudsman will commence audits of about 600 fast
food outlets across the country this month as part of a national
campaign. Fair Work Inspectors will check employers are
paying employees their minimum entitlements, including minimum
hourly rates, penalty rates and overtime rates, and are complying
with their record-keeping and pay slip obligations.

The Holden Enterprise Agreement: lessons for every employer

Holden's announcement that it will close its
Australian operations in 2017 comes as no surprise to HR
practitioners familiar with its bizarre Enterprise Agreement (EA).
While most employers (of large and small businesses) have
successfully used EAs to improve productivity and flexibility,
Holden did exactly the opposite with its EA.

Need more flexibility?

November Newsletter now available

In this issue:

> Tips to avoid HR disasters at your Christmas
Party> Are you ready for Australia's new workplace
bullying laws? FREE checklist> Fair Work Commission Annual Report released: Just
not good enough> 4 easy ways you can take control of mobile phone
use in your workplace> And more

Fair Work Commission: just not good enough

Australia's employment relations tribunal, the
Fair Work Commission (FWC), has now published its 2012-13 Annual
Report under the rather Orwellian title of 'One Future Direction'.
It certainly makes for interesting reading (if you're into that
kind of thing), and by interesting, I actually mean deeply
disturbing.

Avoid HR disasters at your Christmas Party!

New workplace bullying laws

Are you ready for Australia's new workplace bullying laws?
On 1 January 2014, Australia's new workplace bullying laws will
commence as a result of the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013 passed by
the Parliament of Australia.

David Bates joins Switzer team of experts

Launch of HR Advice Online

David Bates, Managing Director of Workforce Guardian today
launched the latest service from Workforce Guardian: HR Advice
Online which enables accountants, bookkeepers
and business advisor's to ask HR and employment relations-related
questions on behalf of their clients and receive practical,
plain-English advice in writing. Advice can be sent to you or
directly to your client.

Workforce Guardian Partners with LAA

We are proud to announce a new partnership with
The Lottery Agents' Association
(LAA).Workforce Guardian now provides LAA members with access to
professional and practical everyday HR advice and support. LAA
represents over 700 Tattersall's and Intralot agencies throughout
Victoria and NT.

Adverse Action Claims On the Rise

Greenfleet's Newest Supporter

Becoming a formal supporter of Greenfleet's carbon offsetting
program was a logical next step for us. Greenfleet has a proven
record of helping Australian employers reduce their carbon
footprint. And just like Workforce Guardian, they were the pioneers
in their field. We're proud to be connected with their brand.

Employee v Contractor: What You Need to Know

The Commonwealth Government has announced an increase in funding
of $5m per year to the Fair Work Commission (previously known as
Fair Work Australia) to ensure it can fully exercise its new powers
to hear complaints about alleged workplace bullying.

"Most claims for wrongful dismissal unsuccessful"

The Sydney Morning Herald recently published a story entitled
'Most claims for wrongful dismissal unsuccessful'. David Bates,
Managing Director of Workforce Guardian, has written to the paper
to highlight Workforce Guardian's concerns with the contents of
their story.

Commission to Target 'Bullies'

The Commonwealth Government has announced an increase in funding
of $5m per year to the Fair Work Commission (previously known as
Fair Work Australia) to ensure it can fully exercise its new powers
to hear complaints about alleged workplace bullying.

Unfair Dismissal - Back in the Headlines

Cloud Superheroes Roadshow

You're invited to attend the Cloud Superheroes
Roadshow. The Cloud Superhero dream team consists of Shoeboxed
Australia, Sharesight, Fathom, and Workforce
Guardian. Together these heroes have joined forces to
conquer the stormy confusion surrounding cloud-based SME
tools. Registration is
free.

Important Changes to the Fair Work Laws

Avoiding Disaster at Your Firm's Christmas Party

Amazing as it may seem, it's now time to once again begin
planning your end-of-year workplace party. Like most firms, you're
probably planning to celebrate the holiday season with your
employees either by hosting a party or arranging some other type of
get-together. But beware: things can go very wrong, very
quickly.

Modern Award & High Income Threshold Increase

Workforce Guardian & ATSA 2012

Workforce Guardian is proud to announce we are a sponsor of ATSA
2012.
We'll be present over two days at our exhibition stand where you
can come and introduce yourself and speak with the team.
We will also be speaking and hope you can join us, review the
programme for full details.

New relationship with RecruitLoop

Workforce Guardian (www.workforceguardian.com.au), Australia's
leading employment relations provider, has formed a strategic
partnership with RecruitLoop (www.recruitloop.com.au), with its online
recruitment marketplace and video interview platform now well
positioned in the market.

Paid Parental Leave - Spa Australasia

In a recent edition of its magazine, Spa Australasia ran an
article about Australia's new Paid Parental Leave Scheme. This
prompted a number of interesting and important questions from the
magazine's readers

As seen in the last issue of Spa Australasia, David Bates,
Managing Director of Workforce Guardian provides some clarification
to Spa Australasia's readers regarding the new Paid Parental Leave
scheme and how it will affect SMEs.

Directors' compliance

As a company director you need to be diligent, methodical and
accurate in your observance of the Fair Work Act 2009. And
this includes the Modern Awards you apply to your employees and the
entitlements that they receive.

Annual Leave Loading

Social Media

Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and a multitude of other social
networking sites are a fact of life for millions of Australians
across all generations. In these spaces, the separation between
your personal life and your business or work life is becoming
increasingly blurred.

New relationship with ADP

Small business definition change

With all the focus on the new Paid Parental Leave scheme that
came into effect at the start of the year, many smaller businesses
may have failed to note the important change to the definition of
'small business' that occurred at the same time.

Impact of flooding on employee management

After the devastating floods across Australia, many of you are
unsure of your legal rights and responsibilities in relation to
your employees' working arrangements. So we've put together some
useful information to keep you on the right track.

Paid Parental Leave Headaches

The new Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme kicks off on 1 January
2011 but, unfortunately, confusion reigns thanks to a number of
inconsistencies between the new scheme and the current unpaid
parental leave entitlement.

Paid Parental Leave Compliance Tips

Australia's first national Paid Parental Leave scheme, funded by
the Commonwealth Government, came into effect on 1 January
2011. With so much confusion understanding surrounding the
new scheme, we've compiled our 5 top tips for compliance.

Top 5 holiday season HR questions answered!

At this time of the year, we're always inundated with calls from
employers wanting answers to some tricky HR issues over the
Christmas/New Year holiday period. I thought it might be
helpful to compile a list of the top five questions and answers
which you may find of use in your business.

Modern Awards breaches

Fair Work Compliance for Directors

The Fair Work Ombudsman has put all company directors on notice
that they may be held personally responsible for the actions of
those they trust to effectively manage compliance with the
new Fair Work laws.